Chapter 3- Want

Hermione made her way back to her bedroom, feeling numb. Ginny had always had a sure sense of right and wrong, though it was misguided sometimes. A lot of the time. She never stopped to think she might be wrong!

Hermione felt her eyes sting and pushed away the hurtful feelings. It was silly to cry over an argument with Ginny, there were far too many for that to be true. Ginny had a fiery spirit and changed her mind about a lot of things, much like a child, and she would forgive Hermione eventually. That still didn't make Hermione feel any better as she pulled the covers over her head and fell into a deep sleep.

Hermione woke up at seven on the dot, wishing for once that her internal alarm would let her sleep longer. She rolled out of bed and rubbed her eyes. Tuesdays felt just as bad as Mondays. Within forty minutes she finished getting dressed and was ready to go down for breakfast. That was the one things she enjoyed at Hogwarts. The buffet breakfast, with just about every breakfast food imaginable.

Ginny and Luna sat further towards the end of the table, almost right under the staff table. Hermione figured it wasn't a good idea to sit with them after last night. She had Potions first today, with the Hufflepuffs, which was a relief. She didn't want to see any of the Slytherins just yet and she was glad she hadn't seen any so far.

Potions passed without anything other than scathing looks from Professor Snape and curious looks from her fellow sevenths years. She was a War Hero after all. They were probably wondering why she was in school at all. Hermione ignored them and their questioning looks and gave her full attention to the lesson.

Transfiguration was probably Hermione's favorite class. It was a full two hours of practical theory and wand work. She had a real nack for the art and Minerva was delighted to have her back. It was technically against the rules for her to be Headmistress and a teacher, but she was the Headmistress. She could make her own rules, apparently. Hermione certainly didn't know of anyone who objected her teaching and running the school.

Hermione's classes ended at about one thirty and she went to the Great Hall for a late lunch, spotting Ginny leaving with Luna in tow. She didn't spare Hermione a glance, though Hermione knew Ginny had seen her. Just how long would Ginny keep up with this childish attitude? Didn't she realize there were more important things?

Hermione didn't feel like she'd done anything wrong at all, so she wouldn't apologize. She was doing her job. That was important to her! Hermione trudged back to her shared common room with Ernie, shutting her bedroom door behind her. The room was cool and she breathed in the scent of lavender and cinnamon. She really loved her room here, as it was the nicest she ever had.

She had patrol again tonight and skipping wasn't an option. They seemed to know if neither the head-boy or head-girl patrolled at night. Plus, maybe she could catch Minerva after her last class to talk about Ernie. He was going to be a pain in her arse, she was sure of it.

She pulled out her homework for Potions, an essay on the main potions they'd learn about in previous years. It was an easy feet for her, as she had a good memory. Hermione finished in record time, writing the full thirteen inches, in about forty minutes. Her grammar wasn't at her best, misplaced commas and the lot. Professor Snape would find a way to take points off anyway. That never discouraged her much, as he probably did it to all his students.

Minerva's homework was harder. She'd assigned the term projects on the second day! There were there choices. Creating a new transfiguration spell, modifying an existing spell, or becoming an animagus. Minerva had warned everyone that they were all harder than they sounded. Hermione was no less determined. She was bursting with curiosity. What would her animgus form be?

There wasn't much she could do besides choose her project. She would have to research how to become an animagus. It was almost two- thirty and Minerva's class ended then.

Hermione rushed to her closet, wanting to change out of school robes. She really despised the short skirt and button up with shirt. It made her feel so silly and it was a small comfort that everyone else had to wear them as well. Jeans were a godsend, in her opinion. Once she was comfortable in jeans and muggle t-shirt, she headed down to Minerva's class room.

The last class had just left, so Minerva still sat at her desk. Hermione saw her wrinkled jaw trembling just a little, much like her grandmothers used to while she concentrated. For a second Hermione felt a strange pain in her chest, reminding her that neither of her grandmothers were alive any longer. And Minerva was so much like her grandmothers. Her eyes stung and she flushed with embarrassment. Would she really start to cry in front of her?

"Come in, Hermione. Have a seat." Minerva put her work away and folded her wrinkled hands in her lap. Hermione sat down across from her, staring at her knees, willing her eyes to clear. She sniffled and rubbed her eyes, though that probably made them irritated. Minerva was giving her a thoughtful look.

"I know I'm tired, but do I look bad enough to cry over?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Hermione laughed against her will, feeling better already.

"Not at all, Professor."

She smiled, "What brings you here?"

Hermione steeled herself, prepared for Minerva's disappointment. It was only the first day after all, maybe she hadn't given Ernie enough of a chance.

"It's Ernie, the head-boy." She said softly avoiding looking Minerva in the eye.

"Yes? I thought there might be a problem. There weren't many candidates for a head-boy this year. We'd known you would be head-girl since your first year."

Hermione flushed, flattered. "He's...rude. And he said that he had chess practice three nights a week. Which I thought was-

"We don't have practices. The team meets once at each term and has tournaments on Saturdays. The point is to have strategies set up to go against any opponent." Minerva's voice was cold and hard now and Hermione felt at ease for coming to her.

"He was supposed to patrol last night but he bailed, saying he would switch nights with me."

"I suggest you take a stand, Hermione. Don't let him make you do all the work. Now, another matter I need you help with. Draco Malfoy needs an escort to Hogsmeade this weekend and Severus can't do it. Would you mind terribly to do that?"

Fear settled on Hermione's face, but Minerva didn't take back her offer. The boy was harmless, without his father whispering in his ear.

"I- I...couldn't..I mean, of course I will. Why does he need an escort?" Her voice trembled with obvious fear, and Minerva felt sorry for her student.

"It's part of his probation. Anything else?"

Hermione shook her head and left without a goodbye.

Ernie was sucking his girlfriends face, and groping her breast in the common room, when Hermione entered. For a second they didn't notice her but Hermione coughed loudly.

"Ahhh!" Hermione recognize Romilda now, the girl who had tired to feed a love potion to Harry. And by her girlish scream. Ernie sent her a glare and moved Romilda an inch away.

"I need to speak to you. Alone." Hermione was angry he'd lied to get out of patrol now that it settled in.

"Whatever you have to say to me can be send in front of my girlfriend." He said arrogantly, and Romilda flushed with pleasure. It was revolting.

"You lied to me about chess practice. I went to Miner- Errr, Professor McGonagall and she assured me that you only have tournaments on Saturdays. So you be patrol tonight and Wednesday. Then we'll work out a new schedule."

Ernie was flushed with angry and embarrassment. "You snitch!"

"Yes, I guess I am, but you are a liar."

Hermione left before a real argument could start. She pulled out some parchment and a muggle pen. Much easier to write with. Her parents were waiting for a letter, she was sure.

Hi mum,

I've settled in nicely, already have a term project picked out and homework up to date. I had a bit of a fight with Ginny, Ron's little sister. I'm head-girl and I caught her out after hours, so I had to take points from Gryffindor. Do you remember me telling you about the house and Point system? The head-boy, who I share a common room with, is a real peice of work. He's always all over his girlfriend, but now I've had a talk with him. He wont be slacking anymore.

Anyway, it's lonely without Ginny to talk to. How are you and Dad?I hope you're well.

Your daughter,

Hermione.

It was short and lack her usual amount of detail, but Hermione still didn't know how secure her relationship with her parents was. It was better to start out small. She might as well right letters to the boys, while she had her things out.

Harry and Ron,

How's the training going? wishing you were here with me? I hope so. The head-boy they chose is a real git. It's Ernie Macmillan, and I don't remember him much from previous years. Do you guys? Anyway he lied about having chess practice to get out of patrol for almost the whole week. I didn't let that happen.

His girlfriend is Romilda Vane, the girl who tried to drug Harry with love potions. She's as pretty and obnoxious as I remember. Professor Snape is still sarcastic and basis but I'm far too used to it to take it personally. He looks almost ten years younger now, though. I guess that would make sense.

Anyway, you both better write me and tell me how things are going. I hope to see you soon.

Your friend,

Hermione.

It was almost dinner time, so she gave the letters to Hedwig, who Harry had given her while she was at school. Maybe Ginny would talk to her finally. Surely she wouldn't still be mad. It was a good thing she didn't tell Ron and Harry about their fight.

Her stomach rumbled loudly in her silent room, making her smile. She guess an early dinner was in order.

The halls were deserted because everyone was either in their common rooms, the library, or at dinner. Her footsteps were loud and she wished she hadn't worn her flip flops. She considered running back and changing into her other shoes, but her stomach had other ideas.

Hermione heard another pair of footsteps and hoped it wasn't Ginny or Luna already leaving dinner. She saw a head of pure white hair, and thought it was Luna. Only Luna wasn't that tall. Or...

Oh no. Malfoy.

He was a few feet away from her and Hermione was frozen with shock. He looked so different than she remembered. But when had she really looked at him?

His eyes were round and a greyish blue. His nose straight and elegant. His cheekbones high, and full lips. If he wasn't who he was, he would be good looking.

"Granger."

His voice was unfamiliar, but deep and masculine. Hermione skidded backwards, bumping into the wall, panting. She was afraid of him. She fumbled for her wand but when she looked back up he was already walking past her down the hall.

She flushed feeling embarrassed. Of course he wouldn't hurt her, in Hogwarts at least. She stowed her wand and made her way to dinner. Hopefully Ginny would be in a forgiving mood.

A/N: Here it is. I'm still without my laptop, which I should have sometime this week. So using word pad increases my mistake a lot and hopefully my proof reading was helpful. Review would be great.